The Philippines is seeking to forge cooperation and partnership pacts with Hungary and Italy to develop the country’s science and technology capabilities through research, technology transfer, human resource development and information exchange.
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the agency "continues to strengthen its linkages with international partners” to further boost the country’s research and technology initiatives.
"An exploratory dialogue will be conducted this month in order to present current activities, initiatives, and future plans with our counterparts,” he said during his weekly report on Friday, April 9.
Accompanied by Assistant Secretary Leah Buendia, De la Peña met with Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines Titanilla Tóth on March 26, 2021 and “had a fruitful discussion.”
During the meeting, de la Peña shared the DOST's research and development (R&D) projects and contributions in further developing various sectors, which include agriculture, health, and industry, energy, and emerging technologies. He also highlighted the agency’s research and technology initiatives to address the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
On the other hand, Tóth underscored Hungary’s capabilities and strengths in water management, aquaculture, startups, space technology, and scholarships, de la Peña noted.
"Both heads of delegation are looking forward to forge and enter an agreement as this will open to limitless STI opportunities between the two countries,” he said.
The officials of the DOST also met with Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Giorgio Guglielmino on March 30, 2021 "to discuss possible revival of the scientific and technological partnership with the government of Italy,” the DOST chief said.
De la Peña and Guglielmino "expressed their interests to deepen relations through an agreement that will reflect mutually agreed areas and mode of cooperation.”
De la Peña cited that the DOST, through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), "continues to expand" its ties with Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF).
"The cooperation is being facilitated through joint research projects, scholarships, establishment of a liver research center, and by being a member of an international liver research network,” he said.